Updated March 13

As of March 13, Lake Conroe is open to motorized boat traffic, according to the San Jacinto River Authority.

Original story

Lake Conroe is closed to motorized boat traffic this weekend because high water levels have made conditions dangerous for boaters.

San Jacinto River Authority spokesperson Ronda Trow said the agency hopes to open the lake on Sunday, March 13 if rainfall subsides and lake levels drop. The lake’s watershed has received between four and seven inches of rain during the past two days, according to the SJRA.

Trow said the high lake levels put boaters at risk because many docks, bulkheads, small islands and other structures are fully submerged and create a very dangerous situation for boaters. In addition, large amounts of debris are scattered throughout the lake because of high winds and rapidly-flowing water from local streams.

“The Lake Conroe staff and emergency operations will be monitoring the levels all weekend,” Trow said. “We are hopeful we will be able to open the reservoir on Sunday. It just depends on how much water comes through the watershed we get over the next 24 hours.”

Trow said this is the first time Lake Conroe levels have reached 203.08 feet above sea level—two feet above its normal pool level—since 2002.

Officials also advise lakeside residents to be cautious with electrical outlets or equipment that may come in contact with water.

The lake remains open to swimmers, kayaks, canoes and non-motorized vessels.

For up-to-date information visit www.sjra.net.